Monday, June 30, 2008

If you're one of the fortunate few to live near Mason City, or anywhere in the state of Iowa....you might be happy to know that the Welk Stars played the legendary Surf Ballroom on Sunday night.That's the same place where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper played back in 1959.Here's the roster of music makers that played the Surf....

Great ready to set sail, it's the Welk show going abord on a fantastic cruise on this episode from October 4, 1980....here's the cast going out to sea as we take a look at some of the show's highlights.I don't see the Rosens, Rogo or Reverend Scott here on the ship....yet.

Here's the Aldridge Sisters and the Otwell Twins with "Feelin' Groovy"....

Next is Ken Delo trying to serve hot coffee out on tropical waters.....

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Right now, I'm pretty busy with a variety of stuff....but I will be putting up on my webpage very soon the still pictures I took at the Forever Blowing Bubbles concert in Eastlake.I'll let you know when they are ready, so in the meantime....here's a picture that should tide you over.

This week's episode on public television stations is another great Silver Champagne Special, titled "Music, Music, Music" which first aired on January 4, 1958. The Maestro is ready to open the show so here are some highlights!

Here's Dick Kesner with his Stradivarius violin playing "Brahm's Lullaby".....

Next is Big Tiny Little at the piano playing the Dill Pickle Rag.....

Check it it, Buddy Merrill is doing a tag dance with the ladies in the audience!

And finally, here's the Lennon Sisters singing the story about Fernando the Bull.

Next week's show is the Caribbean Cruise show from 1980, the next "new" show is two weeks from now.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Just got back home from the Forever Blowing Bubbles Concert in Eastlake, OH. I had a great time and got to see some of my old friends and several great performances by the music makers.Sometime next week, I'll be posting pictures from the show....right now I am tired and will be resting a bit, I have a late night shift at my regular paying job.Take care everyone.....

Monday, June 16, 2008

For those who don't believe that I live in Toledo....here's some proof.On my way back from the Steve & Barry's store in Woodville (I bought two great pairs of Starbury sneakers for $19), I stopped by the corner of Front and Consaul over on the East Side and took this nice picture of the world famous Tony Packo's Cafe.That's the place Corporal Klinger talked about on M*A*S*H....and their Hungarian-style hot dogs are tasty!

And since famous people have autographed hot dog buns adorning its walls, I am guessing that Lawrence Welk was among them.

I wonder if any of the Musical Family ever ate at Packo's when they visited Toledo?

Sad news to report....I got word from one of the Welk Yahoo groups that longtime First Trumpet player Mickey McMahan passed away last Wednesday.

He was a brilliant trumpet player, playing not just for the Maestro but also with Les Brown and Bob Hope on many of his USO performances for our brave men and women in uniform.

I'll add more once I find an online obituary....and promise to send the link.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Sounds like a popular police show....but it's not, Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer are two very popular and talented musicians and songwriters in American music.And on this episode of the Lawrence Welk Show from November 10, 1973...the Maestro and his music makers pay a salute to their work, so here are some highlights.Here's Henry himself being welcomed by Lawrence on the show....

Next is Ralna English and Guy Hovis singing "All His Children".....

Over to the studio is the Curt Ramsey 7 with Sandi Griffiths on lead vocals singing "Dream".....

From Hollywood, The Lawrence Welk Network presents....

ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY JB FUNKY HIMSELF

About Me

The blogmeister is also the webmaster behind the very successful Welk Musical Family.com. I have been a fan of Lawrence Welk since I was a youngster (not too long ago!) and have watched (and taped) his show every Saturday night on my local PBS station, WGTE and sometimes WBGU. My hometown and current residence is Toledo, Ohio and in recent years, I have attended many of their live concerts and had the chance to meet many of the wunnerful music makers as well.